Summer Vehicle Maintenance: 7 Essential Tips
Since summer is the best season for any kind of camping, boating, 
or other outdoor activities, it makes sense that your vehicles will be getting the most use during this season. Therefore, it is important to make sure that they are maintained properly, both for the users’ safety and so that they continue to function properly. These seven tips will help you to keep your vehicles in the best possible shape so that you can continue to enjoy your summer and activities.
- Frequent Service Checks : Though this seems like an obvious tip, taking your vehicle into the shop is something that many people tend to forget. However, it is important to make sure to take your vehicle to the shop a few times a year to check on the quality of the parts, and ensure that they are still in good condition.
- Check the Tires: Again, this seems obvious, but it can still slip your mind as you are focused on other problems. Checking the air in your tires frequently can help you avoid expenses later. To help you with this, you can install a tire pressure monitoring or inflation system. Just make sure to check that these are installed correctly and continue to work properly.
- Choose the Correct Grease: To maintain the wheel bearings on your trailer, make sure to choose the correct grease to ensure the best quality performance of your vehicle. Take the thickening system, grade, and performance rating into consideration when choosing a grease.
- Drive Frequently: This is something that needs to be taken into consideration year-round, not just over the summer. It’s important for any vehicle to be driven frequently, and the same goes for trailers, RVs, and other summer vehicles. This will keep your vehicle running smoothly year round.
- Cleaning: It is important to keep your vehicle clean on the inside and outside. Keeping your vehicle clean will make it easier to maintain parts of your vehicle. Make sure to pay attention to the bottom of the vehicle as well, since exposure to certain chemicals found on the road can cause metal to break down.
- Security: Make sure to check the straps and chains on all hardware and tie-down straps. Watch out for tears or holes in these straps, since these can cause serious damage to your trailer or the vehicles around you.
- Basic Checks: In addition to taking your vehicle into the shop, you should also check your vehicles on a regular basis. Check all lights, tires, and pressure for each part of your trailer. Pay attention to signals and warning lights on your dashboard, and make sure that you are aware of any oil or fluid changes that are necessary.
With these tips, you will be able to enjoy your summer and activities without worry. You can enjoy your summer activities knowing that your vehicle is safe and functional, and performing at its best. When your RV is in storage at Gateway, we routinely check the storage areas to ensure your property is safe and secure, including the condition of any covers, open windows or flat tires. Before storms we perform safety and drainage checks. Storing your property at Gateway, you have an extra measure of confidence that someone is looking out for your vehicle before your summer trip.